Luxinar’s SR AOM series is ideal for a variety of high-precision processes such as microfilm cutting in the flat panel display market and scribing, engraving, marking and surface patterning applications where minimising the heat-affected zone (HAZ) and a high quality cutting edge are critical. 

Flat panel display cutting

Polarised and capacitive films for the tablet and phone industry are both cut using a CO₂ laser with AOM. In some cases, the film may be mounted on glass, and must be kiss cut without damage to the substrate.  In others the film is unsupported, and must be cut cleanly, with minimal debris and HAZ.

When cutting these thin layered films with a standard CO₂ laser, which typically produces longer pulse rise/fall times of approximately 60μs, a large HAZ remains after processing.  However, a CO₂ laser with AOM reduces this HAZ and results in better edge quality.

In addition, when compared to a pulsed laser, the AOM achieves a significant reduction in the melted area which can cause film layers to stick together.  With a SR AOM, layers no longer stick together thus creating an easy-peel protection film layer. The results are similar to a picosecond UV laser but with significantly lower investment and maintenance costs.

Polymer-dispersed liquid crystal display (PDLCD) cuttting

PDLCD screens can be used in various applications such as meeting room windows to provide privacy by changing between transparent and non-transparent states.

Layers in the film are sensitive to heat which causes discoloration and poor edge quality if cut with a standard CO₂ laser.  When cutting with a 9.3µm CO₂ laser with AOM, edge quality is smooth and discoloration is greatly reduced.

Backlight unit (BLU) patterning

A CO₂ laser can be used with an AOM to create a consistent backlighting pattern on PMMA (acrylic) material. The AOM allows the user to control the energy within each pulse when processing in order to give uniform light distribution across the finished piece.